Wedded Teacher Kept It Secret

WESTBROOK, DICKINSON

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/13/2010 at 14:54:58

Source: Newspaper clipping from a LCHS scrapbook with a handwritten date of 1917.

The story of a romance in which a prominent resident of the Letts neighborhood figures is given publication in the Davenport Times of Saturday evening as follows:

"Fred S. Westbrook, a farmer, residing near Letts, Ia., and Miss Gladys Dickinson, a school teacher, whose home is at Grandview, Ia., came to Davenport Sunday, August 12, secured the assistance of Attorney and Mrs. C.H. Murphy, then went to Rock Island and were married by Rev. Mr. Chatley of the Christian church. But their friends knew nothing about it. They will receive the announcements in the mail Monday.

The young couple wanted to get married quietly without any frills or receptions or parties. So they communicated with Mr. Murphy and he secured the licenses. After the wedding they returned to the Murphy home and had their wedding dinner, then departed for their homes.

"Mr. Westbrook is a prominent young farmer and his wife is a charming young school teacher. Both have a number of friends in Davenport.